The Guns Of August

In the east, the Russians are hurrying to put their army in the field, trying to bring all her great resources to bear so she can alleviate the German pressure on France, a difficult task in such a large country. When, on August 12, the first Russian troops finally invade Prussia, they find a systematic withdrawal from the small villages already underway. Further logistical and supply problems plague the Russians before combat even begins. In East Prussia, the Germans, led by General Hermann von Francois, are eager to attack. They meet the Russians near Stalluponen in the first battle and defeat them soundly. Still, the Russians advance. Though torn over whether to retreat or engage, Germany, under Francois, engages. On the right, the Russians suffer heavy losses, but in the center and left, they send the Germans into retreat, resulting in a Russian victory. As Germany falls back, the Russians do not follow. Overextended and cut up, the Russians wait.

Meanwhile, the Germans prepare to fall back to prepared defenses as the second Russian army nears, but retreat is not an option in German eyes, and the commander who suggests it, Prittwitz, is replaced. The German army restructures and prepares to meet the second Russian army, which is attempting to coordinate a pincers movement with the first, all while France employs them to hurry and draw pressure from the Western Front.